Rhodes Parable II Lore and Information

Armament:
8 12.5"/320mm main guns
18 6"/152mm secondary guns
17 30mm CIWS mounts
14 laser PD emitters
98 Archer Missile Pods
Type: Battlecruiser
Length: 976m
Beam: 181m
Height: 188m
Crew: 1,383
Propulsion: 12 Impulse Thrusters
FTL: Advanced Mk 4 Jump Drive

The Janissary class battlecruiser is one of the larger ships in service by the multiple human nations, most of them are found within FSG space in their service as the main ships in the line of battle, while some are found in minor break off nations or pirate hands.

These ships have a more powerful main battery of guns than the Exeter despite only having eight guns, an unlimited firing range exists with these 320mm guns and the 152mm secondary guns, but an effective firing range of 370 miles is capable with the main guns and a 124 mile range is capable with the secondaries. Also within the hull are 98 missile pods for Archer missiles, mostly along the aft ventral area to keep it safe from opponents at the bow. 30mm CIWS and laser point defense systems are placed around the ship strategically to defend against missile strikes and strike craft.

The large size of the ship affords it having a much improved armor scheme and improved thickness compared to the Exeter class makes it one of the most survivable ships to date, and The Great Interstellar War only proved it can live up to its reputation.

Armament:
8 20.3cm cannons
14 12.7cm cannons
12 35mm CIWS cannons
9 PD laser emitters
65 Archer Missile Pods
Type: Cruiser
Length: 410m
Width: 170m
Height: 184m
Crew: 482
Propulsion: 6 Impulse Thrusters
FTL: Standard Mk 3 Jump Drive

The Exeter class cruiser is an Earth type medium warship intended for longer, solo patrols. Unlike the Porter class and it's Large Rocket Boosters, the Exeter has a more developed and larger version of the Porter's Ion drives, allowing it to gain speed faster under normal. Fuel efficient power.

Armed with a mixed armament of both 20.3cm and 12.7cm guns. The Exeter is formidable out to a range of 214 miles for the heavy guns and 74 miles with the lighter guns. All 20.3cm guns are in twin turrets on the dorsal or central sides, while the 12.7cm are along the sides. The 35mm CIWS and Laser Emitters are placed to provide maximum coverage.

The Exeter is not made to stand in the line of battle though it can if needed. It is more a patrol vessel that has been placed into service as the frontline vessel by the split off nations after the Great War. It is not seen in service in FSG space except as training ships.

Type: Frigate
Length: 270m
Width: 33m
Height: 52m
Armament:
16 6.1 inch cannons
8 20mm CIWS cannons
4 Point Defense laser emitters
40 Archer Missile Pods
Crew: 219
Propulsion: 4 Impulse Thrusters
FTL: Standard Mk 3 Jump Drive

Description:
The Porter Class Frigate is a warship design originating on Earth. Intended to act as an escort vessel for larger warships, the Porter Class became extremely common throughout Earths Empire. As a result, it is one of the ships that became universally adopted after the fracturing of the FSG into the newly emerged independent states. However, in the five years since the fracturing of the FSG, the Porter Class has fallen behind technologically compared to newer earth designs. The design itself was already 10 years old at the outset of the Colonial War. It was kept in service by continuous upgrades to its electronic and sensor systems. The design itself is also relatively cheap and easy to build meaning it could be constructed on relatively undeveloped planets with minimal industrial capacity.

The ship itself is made out of a light weight composite material that is strong and flexible. It is also lined with a thin layer of Titanium skin to help resist outside impacts on the hull. Other than that the ship is relatively unprotected relying on its maneuverability compared to other warships. The hull design is somewhat rounded in shape almost having the appearance of a wingless jet liner. There is a small super structure on top of the main hull containing the ships bridge. The hull widens toward the rear with the engine compartment forming a noticeable bulge in the stern of the ship. The main gun batteries are located on small wedge shaped wings protruding out the sides of the hull.

The Porter Class Frigate is armed with 16 6.1 inch cannons. The 6.1 inch is a standard cannon firing a 6.1 inch sabot round. The muzzle velocity for the 6.1 inch is roughly 6000 feet per second. While the range of the gun is theoretically unlimited, practical aiming of the weapon is limited to roughly 120 miles against a target taking evasive action. Beyond that and the targeting computer has trouble compensating for target movement. There are six cannons in three twin turrets along each side of the ship. These cannons form the vessels main battery. There is also an additional turret on the ships ventral and dorsal hull providing a field of fire in almost every direction. Firing directly behind the ship is problematic due to the placement of the main drive engines. The ships 8 20mm CIWS cannons are located strategically around the ship to protect against enemy fighters and missiles. There is also a laser emitter on each side of the ship that performs a similar function to the CIWS cannons.

Propulsion for the Porter Class is provided by two large rocket boosters. These boosters provide rapid acceleration over a short period of time. They use thrust vectoring allowing the Porter to change is direction using quick blast of power from the boosters. Cruising is accomplished by the use of ion thrusters. Ion thrusters are far more fuel efficient than the rocket boosters making them more suited for long range patrol missions at sub-light speeds. Of course, these engines only provide tactical mobility. The primary asset of the Porter class is its FTL drive. The engineering space of the porter is dominated by two fusion reactors as well as the FTL spinner. The ship is fueled by liquefied Tylium which acts as the catalyst for the nuclear reactors as well as the FTL drive.

Length: 142m
Beam: 47m
Height: 21m
Module Capability:
Science; Reduction of shuttle bay space by 50%, large geological and gravitational sensor systems. 4 270mm Probe launchers, 16 geological probe drones, 16 gravitational satellite drones.
Exploration: 4 270mm Probe Launcher’s, large gravitational sensors and high power camera package. Increased processing power for untested jumps to new systems.
Propulsion: 4 Impulse Thrusters
FTL: Standard Mk 3 Jump Drive
Armament: None
Defensive Armament: 4 CIWS mounts
Type: Modular Science/Exploration Vessel

The Erickson Type is a modular hull used previously by the FSG alone and now it’s successor states as well as the FSG currently. It has modules for both Science in explores systems and Exploratory methods for finding new systems amongst the stars. It has an incredibly long range due to its high fuel reserves and even includes a shuttle bay, capable of holding 7 medium sized shuttles for ground exploratory work.

The vessel is capable of staying out in space for years at a time if needed and in an emergency can be used as a hospital ship thanks to its large open areas in the shuttle bay and hull.

Length: 168m
Draft: 52m
Height: 20m
Crew: 102
Propulsion: 3 Impulse Thrusters
FTL: Standard Mk 3 Jump Drive
Armament: None
Defensive Armament: 2 CIWS Mounts
Type: Multirole Civilian Vessel

Variants:
Yao Cargo Vessel
Crew: 136
Passengers: 0
Cargo Capacity: 11,200 TEU

Yao Personnel Carrier
Crew: 109
Passengers: 2,126
Cargo Capacity: 1,906 TEU

Yao Colony Vessel
Crew: 298
Passengers(Colonial Modifications): 1,000
Cargo Capacity: 4,383 TEU of Colony Materials

Yao Mining Vessel
Crew: 346
Passengers: 0
Cargo Capacity: 5,293 TEU
Equipment: 12 Semi-Autonomous Mining Vehicles

Yao Tylium Fuel Carrier
Crew: 211
Passengers: 0
Fuel Capacity: 28,000,000 Liters

Yao Tylium Extraction & Refinement Vessel
Crew: 325
Passengers: 0
Fuel Capacity: 8,500,000 Liters
Equipment: 6 Semi-Autonomous Extraction Vehicles
Specialties: 2 Refineries

Type: Space Superiority Fighter
Length: 15 meters
Wingspan: 8 meters
Height: 4 meters
Crew: 1
Description:
The F-304 is a 3rd generation space superiority fighter. Originally designed for use by the FSG Defense Force, the F-304 was designed to be cheap, lightweight and manueverable. Being required for mass production, the F-304 was intended for deployment across the vast empire. FSG doctrine dictated that fighter craft were meant for planetary defense, picket duty and screening larger vessels. To that end, the F-304 was designed to be extremely fast in relation to other starships traveling at sub light speeds and also extremely maneuverable. The ship is capable of flipping end over end in roughly .35 seconds allowing it to change direction very rapidly. However, the ship is not designed for interstellar travel and thus lacks an FTL drive.

The main armament of the ship comes in the form of 2, 30mm rapid fire chain guns. Each gun has a rate of fire of 900 rounds per minute and fires an armor piercing high explosive round. These rounds are designed to hit a target and explode. The kinetic effect is usually enough to shred other fighters while the HE is intended to cause additional damage to hard targets. The F-304 also has an internal weapons bay which can hold up to four weapons. Either air to air missiles or air to ground missiles.

Propulsion for the F-304 is provided in the form of three different engines. The main engine is a rocket booster that allows the ship to accelerate rapidly and break free from planetary orbit. The rocket also produces sudden burst of acceleration when operating in the void between planetary bodies. To the left and right of the central rocket booster are two smaller aerospike engines. These engines provide additional thrust at high altitude and low orbit but are the aircrafts primary engines when flying within planetary atmosphere. For general cruising in space, the ship has an ion propulsion engine which provides extremely slow acceleration but is useful for long range cruising and gentle course corrections. Combat manuevers are accomplished through roughly 30 thrust vectoring nozzles placed around the ship acting as maneuvering thrusters. These thrusters allow the ship to turn, spin and tumble operating in the vacuum of space allowing them to perform instant course corrections without needing air resistance like planetary aircraft. However, since the ship is also capable of atmospheric flight, it has small delta wings and all the control surfaces needed for atmospheric maneuvers.

The most advanced system on the ship is its inertial dampening system. This lowers the relative G-forces experienced by the pilot during maneuvering allowing the pilot to dispense with G-suits. However, the pilot still has to wear a pressurized flight suit incase the pilot has to eject into the vacuum of space. The ship has fairly advanced sensors using a combination of radar tracking and thermal imaging to identify targets. The ship can also forgo missile armaments to carry a more advanced sensor package allowing to conduct detailed scans of the area surrounding the ship. This makes it useful for patrol missions.

Type: Main Battle Tank
Weight: 60 tons
Length: 9.9 meters (with gun forward)
Width: 3.6 meters
Height: 2.53 meters
Armament: 130mm L/55
Secondary Armament: 1 Co-axial 12.7mm machine gun, 1 remote controlled 12.7mm machine gun on top of turret, 1 5.56 machine gun in a pintle mount in front of the commanders hatch.
Speed: 50 mph
Crew: 3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver)

Description:
The MBT-107 more commonly referred to as the Centaur is a main battle tank in service around the Galaxy. The Centaur was designed by Sessions-Sullivans manufacturing for use with the FSG. It was designed to transportable, extremely reliable and easy to produce. This made it suitable for deployment across human space seeing service with a number of FSG military units and colonial militia forces. During the Galactic Civil War, the Centaur become a prized vehicle for the various independent movements across the galaxy.


Firepower:
The MBT-107 is armed with a 130mm L/55 high velocity main gun. This gun uses a number of ammo types included Rocket Assisted Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot. This round has a small rocket motor on the back that increases the shells velocity after it has left the gun barrel. There is also a small guidance computer which is linked via wireless connection to the tanks fire control computer. This allows the gunner to continue to guide the shell until it reaches it target. The tank also has a drone which can be used to spot targets and guide shells onto their target. This also allows the MBT-107 to accurately hit targets from beyond the horizon. Other ammunition types include a beehive round which when fired spreads hundreds of small metal balls over a wide area generating a shotgun effect. There is also an airburst high explosive shell designed for attacking infantry and soft targets. Finally the tank comes equipped with an armor piercing high explosive round for soft armored targets.
The gun is fed via autoloading system. The auto loader is a mechanical arm which extracts ammunition from the tanks magazine and inserts it into the gun breach. A switch on the gunners console selects the ammunition type which sends a signal to the arm which then selects the shell. The arm is gyro stabilized inside the turret allowing it to continue loading even while the tank is travelling full speed over uneven terrain. It is capable of firing 15 rounds per minute. The ammunition itself is stowed in an armored bussel in the back of the turret which is separated from the crew compartment by an armored bulkhead. There are blowout hatches on the top of the turret so any ammunition explosion is channeled up and away from the tank instead of down into the crew compartment. The auto loader system can also assist the crew in restocking ammunition as ammo can be passed down to the loader which then inserts the new shells into the ready rack. The computer which directs the auto loaders movement marks the location of every type of shell inside the ready rack. The ready rack itself features an auto sorting system where the empty racks are moved down and off to the side while full ammunition racks are moved into place. This means that the auto loader can always extract rounds from the most convenient locations ensuring maximum efficiency.
The machine guns on the tank consist of a co-axial 12.7mm machine gun which is directly controlled through the gunners sight. There is also a 12.7mm machine gun in a remote controlled mount on top of the tank. This mount is primarily controlled by the commander but the gunner can also toggle the machine gun via a switch on his gunners control. Finally there is a 7.62 machine gun mounted in front of the commanders hatch. However, this gun is primarily intended to be a backup weapon that the commander can quickly access when riding unbuttoned. Otherwise the remote machine gun is the primary method of defending the vehicle from infantry attack.

Protection:
The Centaur uses an advanced spaced composite armor with a hardened plastic filler. The ceramic plates are covered by depleted Uranium slabs on the front turret and hull. There is also a wedge shaped armor module placed on the front of the turret which is sloped at 35 degrees. The armor on the front of the tank is estimated to provide 850-1,000 mm of protection against Sabot rounds and 1500 against shaped charge ammunition.

In addition to the armor plate, the Centaur has an active defense system which is designed to automatically target incoming projectiles. Similar in concept to the Trophy system used in the early to mid 21st century, the ADS used on the Centaur uses projectiles to intercept incoming enemy fire. The radar system used by the ADS is accurate enough to intercept most types of projectiles including Sabot rounds. The counter measure fired by the ADS shattered long rod penetrators and causes shaped charge warheads to detonate prematurely.

The Centaur can also be sealed against nuclear, biological and chemical agents and features an advanced air filtration system which continuously scrubs the air inside the vehicle insuring a constant supply of relatively fresh air.
Computer Systems:


The Centaur makes use of a highly advanced integrated combat information network which continuously is fed intelligence from allied units. These information sources include satellite, air reconnaissance, scouts, other tanks and infantry. The information is processed by the vehicles onboard computer which continuously updates the commanders HUD with all known friendly and enemy positions. This gives the commander an unprecedented level of situational awareness.

The commanders position is also surrounded by computer monitors which gives him a panoramic view of the outside of his tank with all aforementioned intel highlighted on the monitors. Each monitor can have its settings adjusted by the commander to display different information and new information can be accessed using simple touch screen technology. For example, the screens can pull up a map which in real time shows the positions of all known friendly and enemy forces within his area of operations. The commander can also feed targeting data directly to the gunner and the fire control computer. His position also features a commanders override which allows him to take direct control of the gun. Although he can in theory operate the main gun effectively from his position, the commanders override is primarily used for giving a rough gun lay to the target.

The vehicle also has redundant systems in place to ensure the crew can continue to operate the vehicle efficiently should the tank suffer a mechanical failure or the EMP shielding should fail. The commander's cupola gives him a 360 degree view through direction vision slits around the tank. He also has a periscope built into his hatch which he can raise and lower a few degrees. This means that if the tank is in the right position, the commander can view over a hill or other terrain feature without exposing the tank to direct enemy fire.
Powerplant/Suspension:


The Centaur uses a V12 twin turbo diesel engine producing 2,000 shaft horsepower. This engine also charges a battery bank which acts as the vehicle auxiliary power unit. This APU allows the vehicle to run its turret and electric systems even when the engine is off. The crew can also deploy a solar panel which provides direct power to the vehicles battery offering longer sustainment without needing to turn the motor on. Reducing the vehicles need to run the motor or idle for long periods of time drastically increases the tanks operational range. The tank can travel up to 450 miles. An external fuel tank can also be fitted to the back of the engine deck increasing that range to 500 miles.

The suspension used by the Centaur is a hydropneumatic suspension system with height adjustable settings. The suspension system features a wide steel tracked design. The wide tracks offer maximum flotation and cross country capability while the adjustable ride height allowed the tank to clear ground obstacles.
The engine and transmission are both mounted in a power pack system which is put on a rail. This allows the entire system to be unbolted and pulled from the tank. The entire engine system can be pulled and replaced by a team of mechanics in just 2 hours. That time is even shorter when the vehicle is being repaired in a garage.
Crew Amenities/Ergonomics: Crew efficiency and comfort while not priorities during the tanks development were given some consideration. The gunner and driver controls are easy to reach, have height adjustable seats, the seats feature springs and padding making for an easier ride so the crew is less worn out during long road marches. The commander’s position also features a height adjustable seat which can be put into a fully raised position allowing the commander to remain seated even when poking his head out of the hatch. Each hatch features a spring loaded design and is located directly above the respective crew member’s position allowing for a quick exit should the vehicle need to be evacuated. The hatches can also be locked from the inside preventing anyone from climbing into the vehicle whether it be enemy infantry or an unwanted commanding officer. The tank is equipped with a boiling vessel on the inside which can be used for boiling water and heating combat rations. Normally the role of vehicle chef would fall to the loader but due to the three man crew and space limitations near the gunners position, the commander is responsible for watching the boiling vessel. The tank also features an internal space heater as well as air conditioner which has a recirculating feature so when the tank is buttoned up and its NBC protection is in effect, the AC draws air from the inside instead of the outside keeping the crew nice and cool even as the nukes are going off. The outside of the tank features a number of different hand holds making it easier to climb on top of the tank. The top of the tanks turret as well as the engine deck are relatively flat giving the crew a location off the ground to roll out sleeping bags. Oil and transmission fluid can be checked via access port in the engine deck so the crew only has to lift the armored deck to conduct repairs. The tank features lots of storage boxes located around the turret and hull.

Type: Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Weight: 17-25 tons(depending on protection level)
Length: 7.76 m
Width: 2.93 m
Height: 3.02 m
Main armament: 1 x 30mm autocannon(or 4x ATGMs/ 1x 30mm grenade launcher)
Secondary armament: 1 x 7.62mm coaxial machine gun
Engine: Session-Sullivans F-III 600hp engine Speed: 68mph ground, 10mph in water
Crew: 3, driver, commander, gunner,
Passengers: 8 Full kit soldiers
The M30A5 is the current variant of M30 IFVs in service across the Galaxy. Originally designed by Session-Sullivans along with the M107 Centaur for FSG use, designed to be cheap and quick to produce. Even with those the vehicle was very robust and thus sent into service all across the colonized galaxy, serving in various militias and groups. When the galactic revolutions rolled by the M30 series had to rapidly be updated, as while the design was good it wasn't prepared for the full destruction of war, a series of rapid advancements led the M30 through a few variations till the most modern A5, older variants are still sometimes in service but the A5 is the now most spread.

Type: Mine Resistant Lightly Armored Utility Vehicle
Weight: 14 tons
Length: 20 Feet
Width: 9 feet
Height: 8.7 feet
Crew: 2 (Driver, machine gunner) + 4 passengers
Armament: Mission dependable, generally armed with a 50 caliber machine gun
Speed: 80 mph
Range: 600 miles

Description:
The M12 Force Application vehicle is the base model for a series of lightly armored utility vehicles intended for a wide range of general purpose and specialist roles. The M12 FAV is designed for general purpose use in combat conditions performing roles ranging from personnel transport to convoy escort, interdiction and sentry actions. The vehicle is designed to offer a relatively high degree of protection and has armor plating rated to protect against 20mm cannon rounds. It also is designed to be mine resistant. It uses a V shaped hull which is intended to deflect explosions away from the underside of the vehicle. The machine gunners position is entirely cased in bullet resistant glass rated against 7.62x39 FSG. The armor plating itself is made out of a ceramic composite material with a titanium battle plate over the top.

The vehicle is powered by a 500 horsepower diesel engine. The suspension system is an independent suspension designed to give the vehicle good cross country mobility. All 4 wheels are independent of the other and are designed to make sure at least one wheel is in contact with the ground at all times. Each wheel is also independently powered.

Type: Light Reconnaissance Vehicle
Weight: 7 Tons
Height: 7 feet 9 inches
Width: 8 feet
Length: 17.5 feet
Crew: 3 (Driver, gunner, electronics operator)
Armament: 50 caliber machine gun

Description:
The M12 LRV is a variant of the M12 FAV designed for performing scouting duties. Like the M12 LRV, it uses a 4x4 chassis but is slightly smaller and features less armor. The M12 FAV is rated against 20mm cannon fire while the M12 LRV is only rated against .50 caliber machine gun rounds. It is also designed to be mine and explosive resistant. The smaller size and lighter armor allows the vehicle to be much faster able to achieve speeds up to 120 miles per hour on roads. Off road speed is highly dependent on terrain but it has been clocked at 80 mph off road. The most important feature of the M12 LRV is the addition of a sensor package mounted on a periscope which can be lowered and raised.This allows the vehicle to make use of defilade while scouting. The senor package features a high definition camera with thermal imaging and night vision. It also incorporates a laser range finder and can mark targets for artillery and ground strikes. The rear of the vehicle which is normally used for passengers on the standard M12 houses a small drone which can be deployed by the crew and used for air reconnaissance. The M12 LRV also has a powerful transmitter which allows it to feed data directly to the battle net giving other units in the area of operation up to date information on enemy movements.

Type: Rifle
Length: 36 inches
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Weight: 10 pounds
Caliber: 7.62x39 FSG

Description:
The M90 Integrated Combat System is a weapon designed for use by the FSG military. It formed the basis for the FSG advanced infantry weapons program meeting the requirement for a new infantry rifle. The M90 is actually 2 weapons in one package with the core of the weapon being a semi automatic grenade launcher with an infantry rifle attached to it. The grenade launcher which is designated the M91 is a 20mm semi automatic grenade launcher with a 6 round magazine. The grenades themselves are airburst featuring a small proximity sensor which automatically detonates the round when approaching its target. The fuse can be set to either proximity or variable timed allowing for a high degree of flexibility. The grenades are also higher velocity and travel on a much flatter trajectory than standard grenades which are essentially lobbed to the target. This allows the weapons a much higher degree of accuracy being essentially point and shoot.
The rifle part of the M90 which is designated the M90-1 is a bullpup configuration so the magazine and receiver are located behind the trigger assembly. It fires a 7.62x39 FSG round from a 50 round magazine. The bullpup configuration was chosen to more evenly distribute the weight of the weapon. The grenade launcher makes up more than half of the rifles weight and is located forward of the rifle receiver. Therefore the bullpup configuration effectively acts as a counter balance. While a traditional bullpup can be awkward to shoot because all of the weight is unsupported in the back, most of the weight of the M90 is located forward and is thus supported by the shooters off hand.
The M90 also features a computer system which feeds data on the weapon directly to the soldiers HUD. This includes ammo count, how hot the barrel is and a general display showing the user where the gun is pointing. Effectively displaying a video game style HUD allowing the user to fire with a reasonable degree of accuracy from the hip.
The M90 is highly customizable to the user’s preference and features a large number of grip styles, optics and other attachable features such as a laser range finder, flash lights, and suppressors. The standard M90 sight is a holographic sight but also features flip up iron sights which are used as a backup if the primary optic fails.
The M90 is made out of a light weight hardened plastic and composite materials. These have proven to be rugged enough to survive the rigors of combat. The extensive use of lightweight materials kept the weapon relatively light.

Type: Rifle
Length: 30.5 inches
Barrel Length: 17.5 inches
Weight: 4.7 pounds
Caliber: 7.62x39 FSG

Description:
Similar to the M90 and M92, the M93 was developed as part of the FSG advanced infantry weapons program. The M93 was designed to equip squad designated marksman and thus was optimized for long range fire support. It features a longer, heavier barrel increasing the weapons accuracy. While the M90 and M92 both have fully automatic options, the M93 can only be fired in semi automatic. The M93 also comes standard with a variable zoom scope which has x4, x10 and x12 magnification.